SOFWAVE

What is Sofwave?

Sofwave is a non-invasive ultrasound device that stimulates collagen production in the dermis to tighten and correct excess skin laxity.

The gentle integrated cooling technique ensures no damage to the epidermis or to the underlying structures beneath the dermis. Not only is Sofwave safe for all skin tones and types, but the treatment is clinically proven to remodel collagen, improve facial lines, reduce wrinkles, and lift lax or loose skin.

Why Choose UnionDerm for Sofwave Treatments?

UnionDerm was one of the first practices in the country to offer Sofwave when it first launched in 2021. We currently offer Sofwave at all three of our locations: Union Square, Central Park, and Hamptons.

We have conducted multiple clinical trials with Sofwave to examine additional indications and treatments using their ultrasound technology. Our clinical trial to assess the Sofwave device for treating cellulite in the upper posterior thighs and buttocks led to their FDA clearance for short-term improvement in the appearance of cellulite by the Sofwave system. Our acne scarring study also helped Sofwave gain FDA clearance for the treatment of acne scars.

What Can I Expect with Sofwave?

Sofwave uses Proprietary Intense Ultrasound Beam Technology™ (IUB) to pass sound wave energy through the skin’s surface. Seven high-frequency ultrasound beams propagate through the tissue to increase and regenerate collagen. This procedure tightens lax skin and improves wrinkle appearance; in a study, 86% of subjects demonstrated improvement in wrinkle appearance. The treatment, which lasts up to 45 minutes, requires little downtime.

Noticeable Sofwave results depend on the physician technique as well as the following of safety protocols and proper treatment parameters. In light of this, our board-certified dermatologists personally administer the treatment.

What Areas Does Sofwave Treat?

  • Face
  • Body

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering Sofwave, please contact UnionDerm today. We will schedule your consultation appointment with one of our experienced physicians to discuss your treatment options.

THERMAGE

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment that stimulates collagen production to improve skin laxity for a naturally younger appearance. The device safely applies radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of skin, which causes immediate contraction to tighten loose skin. This triggers a healing response, which produces increased collagen stimulation. Thermage treatment can reduce visible signs of aging and tighten the skin in the jowls, cheeks, neck, buttocks, extremities, abdomen, eyelids, hands, and abdomen for a younger-looking appearance.

Why Choose UnionDerm for Thermage Treatments?

We recognize that the knowledge and technique of the physician is a key factor in choosing your provider. The board-certified dermatologists at UnionDerm have collectively performed over 1,000 Thermage treatments. In particular, Dr. Chapas and Dr. MacGregor have extensive clinical experience with Thermage, going back to their work on clinical trials. Thermage can also work in combination with other treatments, depending on the desired result. Our comprehensive range of non-surgical skin laxity and contouring devices, combined with our expertise in administering these treatments, allows us to design the most highly personalized plan for each patient.

What Can I Expect with Thermage?

Thermage is a comfortable treatment and results in minimal downtime. During the treatment, the physician gently applies the handheld device onto the affected area. Patients may feel a brief heating sensation immediately followed by a cooling sensation as the adapter touches the skin. These temperature changes indicate the dermis is reacting to the tool’s heating properties to tighten existing collagen and create new collagen.

Temporary redness and minor swelling may occur following Thermage treatments. However, there is no downtime required and most patients return to their normal activities right away. The primary result of Thermage is tighter, more youthful-looking skin. Changes may be visible within days or weeks after treatment and will typically continue to improve up to six months after treatment. A single treatment is often all that is required, and a regular skincare regimen can help patients maintain their results for years to come.

What Areas Does Thermage Treat?

  • Abdomen
  • Cheeks + Jowls
  • Eyelids
  • Neck
  • Buttocks + Extremities
  • Hands

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Thermage and how this treatment can help you achieve an overall younger-looking appearance, please contact UnionDerm today. A consultation appointment with one of our skilled, board-certified providers is your first step toward achieving your personal aesthetic goals.

 

ULTHERAPY

What is Ultherapy®?: 

Ultherapy® is a system manufactured by Ulthera, Inc. that uses micro-focused ultrasound to tighten and lift skin. Ultherapy produces an image of the skin and underlying connective tissue so the physician can deliver targeted energy under the surface of the skin with the optimal depth, temperature and precision necessary to generate new collagen and to tighten and lift the skin.

What can I expect with Ultherapy®?:

Ultherapy stimulates collagen generation and tightens the connective tissue at a deeper level than other non-surgical treatments. This can result in higher eyebrows, a tighter jaw line, and smoother neck. Recent evidence shows efficacy for skin tightening in additional treatment sites such as the chest, abdomen, arms and knees.

Ultherapy received FDA approval in 2009 and is the only non-invasive procedure approved in the U.S. to lift skin on the lower face, neck and brow. Dr. Chapas, Dr. MacGregor, Dr. Chwalek, and Dr. Gmyrek have several years of experience with Ultherapy, and Dr. MacGregor was part of the clinical trials that led to FDA approval and is considered an international authority on Ultherapy. We were one of the first practices to offer the latest upgraded Ultherapy® system, which offers better results and improved patient comfort.

We have extensive experience with pain management for Ultherapy and are able to offer the highest possible level of patient comfort without compromising the procedure’s effectiveness. We continue working with Ulthera to refine our proprietary treatment protocols and to offer our patients the latest advances and software upgrades. In many situations Ultherapy works best in combination with other treatments, and our comprehensive range of non-surgical body contouring and skin laxity devices combined with our expertise in administering these treatments allows us to design the best personalized plan for each patient.

The Ultherapy system can be an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate laxity who aren’t ready for a surgical brow lift or a facelift as well as those who want to “stay ahead of the game”. It is generally suitable for all skin colors and treatment can be completed in a single 30-60 minute session with minimal ensuing downtime. The treatment initiates the lifting process, but the effect will build gradually over the course of two to three months, as tired collagen is replenished with new, stronger collagen. Further improvements can even appear up to six months following a procedure as this collagen-building process continues and patients gradually look more youthful and refreshed.

What areas does Ultherapy® treat?:

Face
Body

ALEX
 TRIVANTAGE

What is Alex TriVantage?:

Alex TriVantage is a laser system used to treat tattoos of all colors and types as well as pigmented lesions. This particular system is safer than traditional methods due to the unique ability to electively treat the tattoo or pigmented lesion while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Alex TriVantage is able to treat areas of various sizes, is suitable for all skin tones, and allows for a quicker, more efficient treatment.

What can I expect with Alex TriVantage?:

Alex TriVantage is minimally painful and requires little downtime. Patients may feel a pinching sensation during the treatment, which some clients have likened to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on skin. Our Alex TriVantage laser combines three wavelengths to effectively fracture pigment, which gradually eliminates unwanted colors. The physician glides the tip of the laser over the affected area during the treatment, which often lasts under 30 minutes. The system is designed to minimize the potential of scarring or changes in skin texture.

Results vary from patient to patient and depend on the size, color, and age of the lesion or tattoo. Physicians typically recommend multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Our physicians are highly experienced in laser tattoo removal, developing state-of-the-art techniques to accelerate treatment by combining multiple treatments during one visit.

What areas does Alex TriVantage treat?:

Face
Body

EXCEL V+

What is Excel V+?: 

Excel V+ has the power and precision to safely and effectively treat skin conditions from challenging vascular and pigmentary discoloration to today’s most common skin concerns.

What can I expect with Excel V+?:

Vascular lesions are a type of common skin concern, affecting up to 50% of individuals aged 18 years and older. Furthermore, with over 40% of the population susceptible to pigmentary concerns, these conditions, whether chronic or cosmetic, can have a serious effect on people’s quality of life and well-being.

The award-winning excel V+ was developed based on feedback from leading physicians worldwide. A solid-state laser system that incorporates two proven wavelengths – 532 nm and 1064 nm – to address more than 20 unique indications on all skin type. The excel V+ laser system features the broadest set of capabilities for treating the widest range of superficial to deep vascular conditions, benign pigmented lesions and skin revitalization concerns.

What areas does Excel V+ treat?:

Face and Body

FRAXEL RE:PAIR 
SST (CO2)

What is Fraxel Repair?: 

Fraxel lasers are fractionated lasers that provide energy in a precisely controlled manner. We offer treatments with both ablative (re:pair) and non-ablative (re:store) devices.

Fraxel (repair) is an ablative fractionated laser that vaporizes tissue in a precisely controlled manner to promote new collagen formation and skin rejuvenation. Recovery time is longer and can range from a few days to a few weeks. Ablative lasers are most useful for improving scarring, moderate wrinkles, severe sun damage, moderate skin laxity, mottled pigmentation and cosmetic tattoos.

Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about Fraxel

What can I expect with Fraxel Repair?:

The Fraxel Repair Laser treatment duration will vary based on the size of the area being treated. After treatment is complete, it’s vital that you stay out of the sun for at least 48-72 hours, and you may need to take 1-2 weeks away from work or social events.

What areas does Fraxel Repair treat?:

Face
Neck
Body

FRAXEL RESTORE DUAL

What is Fraxel Restore DUAL?

Fraxel lasers are fractionated lasers that provide energy in a precisely controlled manner. We offer treatments with both ablative (Fraxel re:pair) and non-ablative (Fraxel dual) devices.

Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment is a non-ablative fractionated laser that stimulates collagen growth in the skin resulting in a healthy glow, smoother texture, and improved appearance. The laser energy creates microscopic laser columns, which produces a wound healing response without injuring the skin surface, allowing for a faster recovery time, typically 1-3 days. A series of non-ablative laser treatments can improve fine lines, mottled pigmentation, melasma, acne scars, surgical scars, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and more.

Why Choose UnionDerm for Fraxel Laser Treatments?

We recognize that the experience of the provider is a key factor in achieving optimal results. The board-certified physicians at UnionDerm have collectively performed over 5,000 Fraxel Dual treatments since 2013.

Our team of physicians is passionate about providing effective, natural results, which is why they take part in continued training and research. Dr. Chapas continues to be closely involved in the optimization and best practices of dual-wavelength non-ablative fractional lasers (Fraxel Dual) and her most recent findings were published in 2022 in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery.

Unlike some other lasers, Fraxel Dual is safe and effective for almost all skin types.  While all UnionDerm physicians are highly trained in treating skin of color, Dr. Chang, Dr. Ugonabo, and Dr. Chopra, in particular, have all made this a primary focus of their training, research, and practice.

Who is a Candidate for Fraxel Restore DUAL?

Individuals who are looking to address skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars, sun damage, pigmentation, pigmented lesions, sun spots and age spots, and actinic keratosis (AK) can often benefit from Fraxel Restore Dual treatments. This treatment is also safe for most skin types, including darker skin tones. To learn more about this laser treatment and if it is right for you, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

What Can I Expect from a Fraxel DUAL Treatment?

To begin your Fraxel DUAL laser treatment, your provider will cleanse the treatment area and apply a topical anesthetic ointment to ensure your comfort. The laser will then be moved over the area, emitting laser light energy. The Fraxel DUAL laser creates microscopic wounds that penetrate deep into the skin, without damaging the skin’s surface or surrounding tissue. The micro-wounds stimulate the body’s healing response, leading to collagen remodeling and the growth of new, healthy skin from the inside out. This results in an improvement in skin discoloration and skin texture for a more youthful complexion. Treatment usually takes about 25 minutes to complete.

Following treatment, you will be provided with specific aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results. Patients should avoid direct sun exposure and keep the treatment area well moisturized. Most patients will require 3-5 treatment sessions. We recommend that you space treatment sessions 1-2 months apart for optimal improvement.

What Areas Does Fraxel Laser Treat?

  • Face
  • Body (neck, chest, hands, arms, legs, back, abdomen, buttocks)

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Fraxel Restore DUAL

What does Fraxel Restore Dual treat?

Fraxel Restore Dual can treat the skin on the face and the body. By creating micro-wounds in the deeper layers of the skin, it kickstarts the body’s natural healing processes, leading to new collagen growth and an improvement in the appearance of your skin.

How many treatments will I need?

It really depends on the results you’re looking for. Typically, patients need between 2 and 4 treatments.

How long will treatment take?

Fraxel laser treatments typically take about 30 minutes.

How long is the recovery period for the Fraxel Restore Dual treatment?

It usually takes less than a week for your skin to heal after Fraxel Restore Dual treatment. You may notice some redness, swelling, and peeling during this period.

Is Fraxel Restore Dual treatment painful?

Since a numbing agent will be applied to the treatment area beforehand, you won’t need to worry about feeling any pain.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about the Fraxel DUAL laser treatment and if it is right for you, contact our office today. A consultation appointment with one of our skilled providers is the first step toward radiant, healthy skin!

M22 INTENSE 
PULSED LIGHT (IPL)

What is IPL?: 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photorejuvenation is a treatment for brown spots, redness, age spots, broken blood vessels, and rosacea.

IPL devices use multiple wavelengths of light to treat sun-induced changes on the face, including brown pigmentation, age spots and broken blood vessels. IPL is also used to treat the facial changes of rosacea, including redness and broken blood vessels. IPL may be used for these changes on the hands, neck and chest as well. It is safe, non-invasive and is tailored to the individual patient’s skin.

What can I expect with IPL?:

During the procedure, patients may feel a pinching sensation. Some patients have described this as a feeling similar to an elastic band being “snapped” on the skin.

What areas does IPL?:

Face
Hands
Chest

PICOWAY RESOLVE

What is PicoWay?: 

PicoWay is an advanced, ultra-short laser treatment for acne scars, wrinkles, pigmentation (dark skin spots), and tattoo removal on the face and body. Although the laser was first used for tattoo removal, the new PicoWay Resolve is a state of the art treatment for acne scars and wrinkles that splits the main laser beam into smaller beams. We recommend this treatment to patients who are always on the go and want to improve the tone and texture of their skin.

What can I expect with PicoWay?:

PicoWay is based on delivering ultra-short picosecond pulses of energy to the tissue making this device faster than any other lasers in its class while still being safe. These bursts of energy break up pigmentation in age spots while stimulating collagen production to smooth wrinkles.

Although this laser works on many parts of the body, our physicians are using this mostly on patients for face and chest rejuvenation. A series of treatments helps to reduce wrinkles and fade fine lines and sun spots. On average, this procedure takes less than 30 minutes and can easily be done on a lunch break or after work.

What areas does PicoWay treat?:

Face
Body

 

VBEAM PRIMA

What is Vbeam Prima?:

Vbeam is a type of pulsed dye laser that treats skin issues related to blood vessels. Whether you have rosacea, spider veins, or port-wine stains, a Vbeam laser is a great treatment option. It has been FDA-approved and used to treat these conditions for more than 20 years. Now, there’s a new and improved Vbeam laser out, called the Vbeam Prima.

The new Vbeam Prima has an additional laser wavelength (1064 nm) to treat larger and deeper blood vessels. So it’s now two lasers in one. In addition, the original 595 nm laser technology has been improved, making it more effective in delivering greater energy to the tissue.

The spot size of the laser is also larger, which increases the speed of treatment and delivers the energy more evenly to the skin. On top of that, the laser is even more safe to use with the addition of a contact cooling handpiece. This hand-piece protects the skin by keeping it cool as the laser energy is delivered to the target.

What can I expect with Vbeam Prima?:

Anyone with unwanted redness, rosacea, port wine stains, or facial or leg spider veins is a good candidate. We also use this laser to help resolve bruising after surgical or minimally invasive procedures. It’s also helpful in treating redness associated with acne as well as red stretch marks and scars.

Redness, mild swelling, or puffiness can occur and will last 1–3 days. Bruising, though less likely, can also occur and can last several days to a week.

For rosacea patients, it depends on the severity and type of rosacea. Some patients can use topicals like rhofade and finacea to decrease redness. For others, an oral antibiotic can decrease pimple-like rosacea lesions or inflammation.

For patients with acne, we would treat with antibiotics; oral contraceptives; and topicals such as retinoids, topical dapsone, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfa-based products. Again, it would depend on the severity of the condition.

What areas does Vbeam Prima treat?:

Face
Body